ASTM F1515-21

Standard Test Method for Measuring Light Stability of Resilient Flooring by Color Change

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Resilient floor covering is made by fusing polymer materials under heat or pressure, or both, in various manufacturing and decorating processes. The polymer material may be compounded with plasticizers, stabilizers, fillers, and other ingredients for processability and product performance characteristics. The formulation of the compound can be varied considerably depending on the desired performance characteristics and methods of processing.  
4.2 Light stability, which is resistance to discoloration from light, is a basic requirement for functional use.  
4.3 This test method provides a means of measuring the amount of color change in flooring products when subjected to accelerated light exposure over a period of time (functional use of the flooring product).  
4.4 This test method specifies that a sample is measured by a spectrophotometer and expressed in ΔE* units before and after accelerated light exposure.
Note 2: It is the intent that this test method be used for testing light stability performance properties to be referenced in resilient flooring specifications.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers a procedure for determining the resistance of resilient floor covering to color change from exposure to light over a specified period of time.  
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2021
• ICS: 19.040 - Environmental testing
• ICS: 83.080.20 - Thermoplastic materials
• ICS: 91.060.30 - Ceilings. Floors. Stairs
• Technical Committee: F06 - Resilient Floor Coverings
• Drafting Committee: F06.20 - Test Methods

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D2244-15a - Standard Practice for Calculation of Color Tolerances and Color Differences from Instrumentally Measured Color Coordinates
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2015
• Refers: ASTM D2244-15 - Standard Practice for Calculation of Color Tolerances and Color Differences from Instrumentally Measured Color Coordinates
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2015
• Refers: ASTM D2244-15e1 - Standard Practice for Calculation of Color Tolerances and Color Differences from Instrumentally Measured Color Coordinates
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2015
• Refers: ASTM D2244-14 - Standard Practice for Calculation of Color Tolerances and Color Differences from Instrumentally Measured Color Coordinates
• Effective Date: 01-May-2014
• Refers: ASTM E177-14 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-May-2014
• Refers: ASTM E177-13 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM E691-13 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM E691-11 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2011
• Refers: ASTM D2244-11 - Standard Practice for Calculation of Color Tolerances and Color Differences from Instrumentally Measured Color Coordinates
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2011
• Refers: ASTM E177-10 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2010
• Refers: ASTM G151-10 - Standard Practice for Exposing Nonmetallic Materials in Accelerated Test Devices that Use Laboratory Light Sources
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2010
• Refers: ASTM D2244-09a - Standard Practice for Calculation of Color Tolerances and Color Differences from Instrumentally Measured Color Coordinates
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2009
• Refers: ASTM G151-09 - Standard Practice for Exposing Nonmetallic Materials in Accelerated Test Devices that Use Laboratory Light Sources
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2009
• Refers: ASTM D2244-09 - Standard Practice for Calculation of Color Tolerances and Color Differences from Instrumentally Measured Color Coordinates
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2009
• Refers: ASTM E691-08 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2008

Overview

ASTM F1515-21: Standard Test Method for Measuring Light Stability of Resilient Flooring by Color Change provides an internationally recognized procedure for evaluating how resilient floor coverings resist discoloration after exposure to light. Developed by ASTM International, this standard applies to flooring products manufactured from polymers-such as vinyl and other resilient materials-compounded with additional ingredients to achieve desired performance characteristics. ASTM F1515-21 specifies an accelerated test that measures color changes using spectrophotometric analysis, helping manufacturers, specifiers, and quality assurance professionals ensure flooring durability and maintain aesthetic standards in commercial and residential environments.

Keywords: ASTM F1515-21, resilient flooring, light stability, color change, color fastness, spectrophotometer, flooring standards, accelerated aging

Key Topics

• Scope of Testing: Outlines methods to determine the resistance of resilient flooring to color change from controlled light exposure over a set time period.
• Test Principles:
  • Flooring samples are exposed to a xenon-arc light source, simulating sunlight filtered through window glass.
  • Color measurements are performed before and after exposure using spectrophotometric tools under standardized lighting (D-65, cool white fluorescent).
  • Results are expressed in Delta E ((\Delta E^*)) units, quantifying the degree of color change.
• Performance Assessment: The standard provides guidance for interpreting results for flooring product selection, quality control, and specifications.
• Precision and Repeatability: Includes interlaboratory study data supporting the repeatability and reproducibility of the test method for assessing light-induced discoloration.

Applications

ASTM F1515-21 is widely used across industries involved in the manufacturing, installation, and specification of resilient flooring materials. Practical uses include:

• Product Development & Formulation: Flooring manufacturers use this method to test various compounds and additives, ensuring optimal light stability and reliable color retention throughout a product’s lifecycle.
• Quality Control & Assurance: Routine testing of production batches helps identify variations, maintain consistency, and comply with product warranties or regulatory requirements.
• Performance Specifications: Architects, designers, and procurement professionals reference light stability metrics from ASTM F1515-21 in flooring specifications for commercial, educational, healthcare, and residential projects, especially where light exposure is significant.
• Comparative Analysis: Enables comparisons of different flooring materials or suppliers, supporting better-informed material selection in new construction and renovation projects.
• Regulatory and Warranty Documentation: Provides third-party verifiable evidence of color stability, helping meet contract, warranty, or governmental documentation requirements.

Related Standards

ASTM F1515-21 references and aligns with several associated standards for comprehensive material testing and reporting, ensuring methodologies are robust and results are comparable across the industry. Key related standards include:

• ASTM D2244: Practice for Calculation of Color Tolerances and Color Differences from Instrumentally Measured Color Coordinates
• ASTM D4459: Practice for Xenon-Arc Exposure of Plastics Intended for Indoor Applications
• ASTM E177: Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• ASTM E691: Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• ASTM G151: Practice for Exposing Nonmetallic Materials in Accelerated Test Devices That Use Laboratory Light Sources
• ASTM G155: Practice for Operating Xenon Arc Light Apparatus for Exposure of Non-Metallic Materials
• ASTM G177: Tables for Reference Solar Ultraviolet Spectral Distributions

Practical Value

Adhering to ASTM F1515-21 supports product reliability, extends the longevity of finished installations, and safeguards the visual integrity of flooring in high-impact environments. This standard ensures end-users receive resilient flooring products proven to perform under realistic light exposure conditions, strengthening market trust and compliance with industry best practices.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F1515 − 21
Standard Test Method for
Measuring Light Stability of Resilient Flooring by Color
Change
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1515; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope butions: Hemispherical on 37° Tilted Surface
1.1 This test method covers a procedure for determining the
3. Summary of Practice
resistance of resilient floor covering to color change from
exposure to light over a specified period of time.
3.1 Specimens are exposed continuously at a controlled
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the temperature and humidity to a properly filtered xenon-arc
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
radiant-energy source. The filters selected are to simulate
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- indoor exposure conditions behind window glass. See Practice
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
D4459.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.2 To ensure uniform exposure, periodic specimen reposi-
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
tioning is a good practice to reduce the variability in exposure
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
stresses experienced during the test interval.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
NOTE 1—See Practice G151 for guidance on repositioning of speci-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
mens.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.3 The effect of radiation (actinic and thermal) on the
specimen shall be the color difference between the specimen
2. Referenced Documents
before and after exposure.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D2244 Practice for Calculation of Color Tolerances and
4. Significance and Use
Color Differences from Instrumentally Measured Color
Coordinates 4.1 Resilient floor covering is made by fusing polymer
materials under heat or pressure, or both, in various manufac-
D4459 Practice for Xenon-Arc Exposure of Plastics In-
tended for Indoor Applications turing and decorating processes. The polymer material may be
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in compounded with plasticizers, stabilizers, fillers, and other
ASTM Test Methods ingredients for processability and product performance char-
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to acteristics. The formulation of the compound can be varied
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
considerably depending on the desired performance character-
G151 Practice for Exposing Nonmetallic Materials inAccel- istics and methods of processing.
erated Test Devices that Use Laboratory Light Sources
4.2 Light stability, which is resistance to discoloration from
G155 Practice for Operating XenonArc LightApparatus for
light, is a basic requirement for functional use.
Exposure of Non-Metallic Materials
G177 Tables for Reference Solar Ultraviolet Spectral Distri-
4.3 This test method provides a means of measuring the
amount of color change in flooring products when subjected to
acceleratedlightexposureoveraperiodoftime(functionaluse
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeF06onResilient
of the flooring product).
Floor Coverings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F06.20 on Test
Methods.
4.4 This test method specifies that a sample is measured by
Current edition approved April 1, 2021. Published April 2021. Originally
a spectrophotometer and expressed in ∆E* units before and
approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as F1515 – 15. DOI:
after accelerated light exposure.
10.1520/F1515–21.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
NOTE 2—It is the intent that this test method be used for testing light
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on stability performance properties to be referenced in resilient flooring
the ASTM website. specifications.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1515 − 21
5. Apparatus should be capable of fitting the exposure rack and covering the
aperture (usually 2.0 in. by 2.0 in. (50.8 mm by 50.8 mm) of
5.1 The apparatus employed shall utilize either a water-
the color-measuring apparatus used.
cooled or air-cooled xenon-arc lamp as the source of radiation
as described in Practices D4459 or G155.
7.2 For each exposure time cut three specimens or cut one
specimen and mark three test areas from each sample. All
5.2 XenonLight Source—The xenon light source consists of
specimens shall be of similar color, pattern and texture.
a quartz-jacketed burner tube charged with xenon gas.
NOTE 3—White, monochromatic, flat material is preferred for testing.
5.3 GlassFilters—Table1showstherelativespectralpower
distribution limits of xenon-arcs filtered for simulating a
7.3 ObtainandrecordinitialL*,a*,andb*readingsoneach
behind window-glass exposure.
of the three specimens or areas with the color measuring
equipmentbeforeplacinginthexenon-arctestapparatus.Mark
5.4 Light Monitor—The light monitor shall be capable of
the exact area of the measurement for future location in the
measuring spectral irradiance at 300 to 400 nm incident to the
color measurement equipment.
specimen.
7.4 Program the instrument to operate in the continuous
5.5 Black Panel Temperature (BPT) Sensor—A black-
coated stainless steel panel, as specified in Practice G155, light-on mode without water spray at an irradiance equivalent
2 2
to 0.30 W/m at 340 nm (that is, 37 W/m at 300 nm to 400
should be used as the standard reference to control test
temperature. (Alternative devices such as the Black Standard nm). Place the black panel sensor and specimens on the
specimen rack in accordance with manufacturer’s recommen-
Thermometer (BST) described in Practice G151 may be used.
TheBSTequivalenttotheBPT = 145°F(63°C)hasbeenfound dationsandfilltheremainingvacancieswithnon-UVreflecting
blanks, for example, gray card stock.
to be approximately 153°F (67°C)).
7.4.1 Control black-panel temperature at 145°F 6 4°F
5.6 A suitable spectrophotometer or colorimeter with a
(63°C 6 2°C) or BST at 153°F 6 4°F (67°C 6 2°C).
minimum 0.25-in. (6.35-mm) diameter opening having both
7.4.2 Control the relative humidity at 50 6 10 %.
coolwhitefluorescent(CWF)anddaylight(D-65)lightsources
that measure color in CIE L*, a*, b* using CIE 10° Standard
7.5 Expose the specimens to be tested for a total of 400 h,
Observer and specular included. When an individual color
with specimens removed for color measurements at 100
cannotbetotallycoveredwithinthe0.25in.spectrophotometer
h, 200 h, 300 h, and 400 h.
opening, then the largest spectrophotometer opening shall be
7.6 Remove the specimens from the test apparatus and
used. See Test Method D2244.
recondition at 73.
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: F1515 − 15 F1515 − 21
Standard Test Method for
Measuring Light Stability of Resilient Flooring by Color
Change
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1515; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers a procedure for determining the resistance of resilient floor covering to color change from exposure
to light over a specified period of time.
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D2244 Practice for Calculation of Color Tolerances and Color Differences from Instrumentally Measured Color Coordinates
D4459 Practice for Xenon-Arc Exposure of Plastics Intended for Indoor Applications
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
G151 Practice for Exposing Nonmetallic Materials in Accelerated Test Devices that Use Laboratory Light Sources
G155 Practice for Operating Xenon Arc Light Apparatus for Exposure of Non-Metallic Materials
G177 Tables for Reference Solar Ultraviolet Spectral Distributions: Hemispherical on 37° Tilted Surface
3. Summary of Practice
3.1 Specimens are exposed continuously at a controlled temperature and humidity to a properly filtered xenon-arc radiant-energy
source. The filters selected are to simulate indoor exposure conditions behind window glass. See Practice D4459.
3.2 To ensure uniform exposure, periodic specimen repositioning is a good practice to reduce the variability in exposure stresses
experienced during the test interval.
NOTE 1—See Practice G151 for guidance on repositioning of specimens.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F06 on Resilient Floor Coverings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F06.20 on Test Methods.
Current edition approved Dec. 15, 2015April 1, 2021. Published January 2016April 2021. Originally approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 20082015 as
F1515 – 03 (2008).F1515 – 15. DOI: 10.1520/F1515–15.10.1520/F1515–21.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1515 − 21
3.3 The effect of radiation (actinic and thermal) on the specimen shall be the color difference between the specimen before and
after exposure.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Resilient floor covering is made by fusing polymer materials under heat or pressure, or both, in various manufacturing and
decorating processes. The polymer material may be compounded with plasticizers, stabilizers, fillers, and other ingredients for
processability and product performance characteristics. The formulation of the compound can be varied considerably depending
on the desired performance characteristics and methods of processing.
4.2 Light stability, which is resistance to discoloration from light, is a basic requirement for functional use.
4.3 This test method provides a means of measuring the amount of color change in flooring products when subjected to accelerated
light exposure over a period of time (functional use of the flooring product).
4.4 This test method specifies that a sample is measured by a spectrophotometer and expressed in ΔE* units before and after
accelerated light exposure.
NOTE 2—It is the intent that this test method be used for testing light stability performance properties to be referenced in resilient flooring specifications.
5. Apparatus
5.1 The apparatus employed shall utilize either a water-cooled or air-cooled xenon-arc lamp as the source of radiation as described
in Practices D4459 or G155.
5.2 Xenon Light Source—The xenon light source consists of a quartz-jacketed burner tube charged with xenon gas.
5.3 Glass Filters—Table 1 shows the relative spectral power distribution limits of xenon-arcs filtered for simulating a behind
window-glass exposure.
5.4 Light Monitor—The light monitor shall be capable of measuring spectral irradiance at either 340 nm or at 300 to 400 nm
incident to the specimen.
5.5 Black Panel Temperature (BPT) Sensor—A black-coated stainless steel panel, as specified in Practice G155, should be used
as the standard reference to control test temperature. (Alternative devices such as the Black Standard Thermometer (BST)
described in Practice G151 may be used. The BST equivalent to the BPT = 145°F (63°C) has been found to be approximately
153°F (67°C)).
TABLE 1 Sunlight Behind Window Glass Simulation Relative
Spectral Irradiance for Xenon-Arc Output as Percentage of
A
Irradiance at 300–400 nm
Bandpass (nm) Minimum Window Glass Maximum
A A
Percent Filtered Solar Percent
Radiation
B
Percent
Λ <300 0.0 0.29
300 # λ # 320 0.1 # 0.5 2.8
320 # λ # 360 23.8 34.2 35.5
360 # λ # 400 62.5 65.3 76.1
A
Table 1 is copied from Practice G155.
B
The window glass filtered solar data is for a solar spectrum with atmospheric
conditions and altitude chosen to maximize the fraction of short wavelength solar
UV (defined in Practice G177) that has been filtered by window glass. The glass
transmission is the average for a series of single strength window glasses tested
as part of a research study for ASTM Subcommittee G3.02.9. While this data is
provided for comparison purposes only, it is desirable for a xenon-arc with window
glass filters to provide a spectrum that is a close match to this window glass filtered
solar spectrum.
F1515 − 21
5.6 A suitable spectrophotometer or colorimeter with a minimum 0.25-in. (6.35-mm) diameter opening having both cool white
fluorescent (CWF) and daylight (D-65) light sources that measure color in CIE L*, a*, b* using CIE 10° Standard Observer and
specular included. When an individual color cannot be totally covered within the 0.25 in. spectrophotometer opening, then the
largest spectrophotometer opening shall be used. See Test Method D2244.
6. Hazards
6.1 Check to be sure the apparatus is operating properly at the start of each test. Check the lamp condition at weekly intervals to
be sure that the burner tube and optical filters are clean and that they have not exceeded the maximum recommended period of
use.
6.2 Be sure specimens are held flat when measuring
...